Theatre light projector incorporating a plurality of light sources and improvements to blending the light output

ABSTRACT

A theater light projector including a housing, a plurality of light sources, a plurality of lenses, a light exiting output aperture, and a central integrating mask. The light exiting output aperture has a center. The plurality of light sources are arranged around a central axis. The plurality of light sources project light though the light exiting output aperture. The center of the light exiting output aperture is substantially void of projected light projected by the plurality of light sources. The central integrating mask is located in the center of the light exiting aperture and partially intersects a portion of the projected light from each of the plurality of light sources.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a continuation in part of and claims thepriority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/588,604, titled “THEATRELIGHT PROJECTOR INCORPORATING A PLURALITY OF LIGHT SOURCES ANDIMPROVEMENTS TO BLENDING THE LIGHT OUTPUT”, filed on May 6, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to improved light projectors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Theatre light projectors are often used to light theatrical stages orentertainers. Known light projectors can be comprised of a plurality oflight sources where the plurality of light sources are comprised of aplurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as described in my U.S. Pat.RE44,903. Known light projectors that are comprised of a plurality oflight sources typically may have an output lens assigned to each lightsource that are not seamlessly integrated so that they look more likeone central light source. The lack of an apparent seamless integrationof the output lenses of the known light projectors can be referred to inthe theatrical industry as a “fly eye” type of light projector.

For example the SolaWash (trademarked) nineteen LED light projector assold by High End Systems (trademarked) of Austin, Tex., as shown athttp://www.highend.com/products/led/solawash is comprised of circulararrays of discrete lenses that are not seamlessly integrated. A furtherexample of a known light projector with a plurality of light sources andlenses is the ColorSource (trademarked) Par as marketed by ElectronicTheatre Controls of Middleton, Wis. and is found athttps://www.etcconnect.com/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737484145

It is desirable to better integrate a plurality output lenses used by alight projector so that the light projector appears to an audience as anapparent single light source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved theatre light projector having multiparameter attributes isdisclosed. The light projector may include a plurality of light sources,a lens system comprised of a plurality of sectors, and a housing havingan inner chamber. The lens system may have a first side and a secondside. The plurality of light sources and the lens system operate toproduce an improved blended light beam for the light projector with lessundesirable artifacts than previously known.

In at least one embodiment, a theatre light projector is provided whichincludes a housing, a plurality of light sources, a first aperturedevice and a lens system. The lens system may be comprised of a firstlens sector and a second lens sector. Each of the first lens sector andthe second lens sector may have a positive spherical optical power. Inat least one embodiment, the first lens sector has a first radii, andthe second lens sector has a second radii, wherein the first radii andthe second radii are substantially parallel to each other.

The first aperture device may be comprised of a first aperture and thefirst aperture may be comprised of a color filter. The first aperturedevice may be comprised of a first aperture device and the firstaperture device may be comprised of a pattern. The plurality of lightsources may be comprised of a first light source and a second lightsource and each of the first light source and the second light sourcemay be comprised of a white solid state light source. The white solidstate light source may be a light emitting diode. The white solid statelight source may be a laser diode.

The plurality of light sources may include a first light source and asecond light source; wherein the first light source has a first heatsink and the second light source has a second heat sink; wherein thefirst light source is configured to project a first light having a firstlight path having a direction; and wherein the first heat sink iscomprised of an adjustment mechanism for altering the direction of thefirst light path. The heat sink adjustment mechanism may be comprised ofa compression component.

The theatre light projector may further include an output aperturewherein at least one surface of the output aperture has a stable wettingcoating. The stable wetting coating may be a silicone derivative nanocoating.

In at least one embodiment a theatre light projector is providedcomprising a housing, a plurality of light sources, a first aperturedevice and variable diffusion system; wherein the plurality of lightsources is comprised of a first light source which is configured toproject a first light in a first light path and further comprising asecond light source which is configured to project a second light in asecond light path.

The variable diffusion system may be comprised of a first diffusingsubstrate and a second diffusing substrate. The first diffusingsubstrate may be rotatable into a first state and a second state whereinin the first state the first diffusing substrate is substantiallyperpendicular to the first light path and wherein in the second statethe first diffusing substrate is substantially parallel to the firstlight path; and wherein the second diffusing substrate is rotatable intoa first state and a second state wherein in the first state the seconddiffusing substrate is substantially perpendicular to the first lightpath and wherein in the second state the second diffusing substrate issubstantially parallel to the second light path.

In at least one embodiment, the first aperture device is comprised of afirst aperture and the first aperture is comprised of a color filter.The first aperture device may be comprised of a first aperture deviceand the first aperture device may be comprised of a pattern.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of light sources are comprisedof a first light source and a second light source and each of the firstlight source and the second light source is a white light source. Eachof the plurality of light sources may be a light emitting diode.

The theatre light projector may include an output aperture wherein atleast one surface of the output aperture has a stable wetting coating.The stable wetting coating may be a silicone derivative nano coating.

The plurality of light sources may be comprised of a first light sourceand a second light source wherein the first light source has a firstheat sink and the second light source has a second heat sink; whereinthe first light source is configured to project a first light in a firstlight path; and wherein the first heat sink is comprised of anadjustment mechanism for altering a direction of the first light path.The heat sink adjustment mechanism may be comprised of a compressioncomponent.

In at least one embodiment, a theatre light projector is providedcomprising a housing, a plurality of light sources, a first aperturedevice, a lens system and a output aperture. The plurality of lightsources may be comprised of a first light source and a second lightsource.

The first light source may be a solid state white light source, and thesecond light source may be a second solid state white light source. Thefirst aperture device may be comprised of a plurality of apertures,including a first aperture, a second aperture, and an output aperture;wherein the first aperture is comprised of a first color filter; whereinthe second aperture is comprised of a second color filter; wherein theoutput aperture is comprised of a first surface and a second surface;and wherein at least the first surface has a stable wetting coating. Thestable wetting coating may be a silicon derivative nano coating.

The lens system may be comprised of a plurality of pie shaped lenscomponents. The diffusing system may be comprised of a plurality ofrotatable diffusing substrates.

In at least one embodiment, a theatre light projector is providedcomprising a housing, a plurality of light sources, a plurality oflenses, a light exiting output aperture, and a central integrating mask.The light exiting output aperture may have a center; the plurality oflight sources may be arranged around a central axis; the plurality oflight sources may project light though the light exiting outputaperture; the center of the of the light exiting output aperture may besubstantially void of projected light projected by the plurality oflight sources; and the central integrating mask may be located in thecenter of the light exiting aperture and partially intersects a portionof the projected light from each of the plurality of light sources.

In at least one embodiment, the theatre light projector may furtherinclude a diffusion system, wherein the diffuser system is comprised ofa plurality of segments; and wherein the diffusion system is locatedbetween the plurality of light sources and the light exiting outputaperture and intersects the projected light from the plurality of lightsources.

The theatre light projector may further include an aperture devicecomprising a first color filter and a second color filter; and whereinthe aperture device is located between the plurality of light sourcesand the light exiting output aperture and intersects the projected lightfrom the plurality of light sources.

The theatre light projector may further include a means for traversingthe plurality of lenses; and wherein the plurality of lenses and themeans for traversing the plurality of lenses are located between theplurality of light sources and the light exiting output aperture andintersect the projected light from the plurality of light sources.

The plurality of light sources may be comprised of a first lightemitting diode light source projecting light out in a first light pathand a second light emitting diode light source projecting light out in asecond light path; wherein the first light emitting diode light sourcehas a first heat sink and the second light emitting diodes light sourcehas a second heatsink and the first heat sink is adjustable to alter athe first light path and the second heatsink is adjustable to alter adirection the second light path.

In at least one embodiment a theatre light projector is provided whichmay include a housing, a plurality of light sources, a plurality oflenses, and a diffusion system; wherein the plurality of light sourcesare arranged around a central axis; wherein each of the plurality oflight sources project light though the diffusion system; wherein thediffusion system has a center; and wherein the center of the diffusionsystem is substantially void of light projected by each of the pluralityof light sources; and wherein the central integrating mask is located inthe center of the diffusion system and partially intersects a portion ofthe light projected by each of the plurality of light sources.

The theatre light projector may further include a light exiting aperturewhich is comprised of glass; and wherein the light exiting apertureintersects at least a portion of the light projected by each of theplurality of light sources.

The theatre light projector may further include a light exiting aperturewhich is comprised of a polymer; and wherein the light exiting apertureintersects at least a portion of the light projected by each of theplurality of light sources.

The theatre light projector may further include an aperture devicecomprising a first and second color filter; and wherein the aperturedevice intersects at least a portion of the light projected by each ofthe plurality of light sources.

The theatre light projector may further include a means for traversingthe plurality of lenses; and wherein the plurality of lenses and themeans for traversing the plurality of lenses are located between theplurality of light sources and a light exiting output aperture andintersect the projected light from the plurality of light sources.

The plurality of light sources may be comprised of a first lightemitting diode light source projecting light out in a first light pathand a second light emitting diode light source projecting light out in asecond light path; wherein the first light emitting diode light sourcehas a first heat sink and the second light emitting diode light sourcehas a second heat sink and the first heat sink is adjustable to alterthe first light path and the second heat sink is adjustable to alter thesecond light path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of light projector in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A shows a close up of a light emitting module for use with thelight projector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B shows a side view of the light emitting module of FIG. 2A, andan adjustment system;

FIG. 2C shows a rear view of the light emitting module of FIG. 2A andthe adjustment system of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3 shows a frontal view of a lens system comprised of a plurality ofsegments for use with the light projector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a frontal view of a diffusion system comprised of aplurality of segments for use with the light projector of FIG. 1, in afirst diffusing state;

FIG. 5 shows a frontal view of the diffusion system of FIG. 4 comprisedof a plurality of segments in a second non-diffusing state;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of an output aperture of the prior art;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of an output aperture incorporating a stablewetting coating in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 shows a light projector in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a device, which can be used to form anoutput aperture of the light projector of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the output aperture of the light projectorof FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 shows a light projector in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a front view of a device, which can be used to form anoutput aperture of the light projector of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 shows a front view of the output aperture of the light projectorof FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of light projector 100 in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The light projector 100 hasan external housing 7. The light projector 100 is comprised of aplurality of light sources 1 a, 2 a, 3 a and 4 a. Each of the lightsources 1 a, 2 a, 3 a and 4 a may be comprised of a solid state lightsource such as a light emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode (LD). LED 1a is mounted to a heatsink 1, LED 2 a is mounted to a heatsink 2, LED 3a is mounted to a heatsink 3 and LED 4 a is mounted to a heatsink 4.Heatsinks 1, 2, 3 and 4 may be aluminum or copper heatsinks and may alsobe comprised of fluid pipes as known in the art to remove heat from theLEDs 1 a, 2 a, 3 a, and 4 a.

LEDs (or solid state light source) 1 a, 2 a, 3 a, and 4 a may be of anywavelength (color) including white full spectum but preferably each ofLEDs 1 a, 2 a, 3 a and 4 a is comprised of multiple dies, each diehaving a different wavelength and may include white full spectrum, sothat each of LEDs 1 a, 2 a, 3 a, and 4 a is comprised of multiplewavelengths and may include white full specturm.

Dotted line 1 b shows a light path of a projected light from LED 1 a.Dotted line 2 b shows a light path of a projected light from LED 2 a.Dotted line 3 b shows a light path of a projected light from the LED 3 aand dotted line 4 b shows a light path of a projected light from the LED4 a.

An aperature device 10 of the light projector 100 of FIG. 1 ispositioned to intersect the light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b, and 4 b,simultaneously as described in U.S. Pat. RE40,015 to Belliveau, which isincorporated by reference herein. As the aperture device 10 is rotateddifferent apertures can intersect the light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b and 4 b.FIG. 1 shows light path 1 b passes though aperture 11 a, light path 2 bpasses though aperture 12 a, light path 3 b passes though aperture 13 aand light path 4 b passes though aperture 14 a. When the aperture device10 is rotated (with any suitable means as known in the art) in thedirection of arrow 16 light path 1 b passes though aperture 11 b, lightpath 2 b passes though aperture 12 b, light path 3 b passes thoughaperture 13 b and light path 4 b passes though aperture 14 b. Theapertures 11 a, 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 11 b, 12 b, 13 b and 14 b may bethrough hole apertures or contain color filters to modify the finaloutput wave lengths (or color) of the LEDs 1 a, 2 a, 3 a and 4 a.Apertures 11 a, 12 a, 13 a, 14 a, 11 b, 12 b, 13 b and 14 b may containpatterns to project images similar to gobo wheels with multiple patternapertures as known in the art, and as disclosed, for example, in U.S.Pat. No. 5,402,326 to Belliveau, which is incorporated by referenceherein.

The aperture device 10 shown contains eight apertures forsimplification. However more apertures can be provided. The aperturesthat contain patterns may have all the same patterns at the same timefor light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b and 4 b or the apertures may havedifferent patterns for each of the light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b and 4 b.The light projector 100 of FIG. 1 is comprised of one aperture device10, however multiple aperture devices can be provided. The aperturedevice 10 may also be comprised of four separate pattern wheels with oneseparate pattern wheel for each light path 1 b, 2 b, 3 b, and 4 b. FIG.1 shows a dashed line 50 that is the center axis of the light projector100 for reference. The center 18 of filter of aperture device 10 is alsoshown in line with the center axis dashed line 50 for symmetry.

The light projector 100 of FIG. 1 is comprised of a lens system 20. Thelens system 20 is comprised of four lens sectors 21, 22, 23 and 24.Light path 1 b passes though lens sector 21, light path 2 b passesthough lens sector 22, light path 3 b passes though lens sector 23 andlight path 4 b passed though lens sector 24. Each of lens sectors 21,22, 23 and 24 has an optical power that is a positive spherical opticalpower created by a radial curvature. It is important to keep thespherical optical power of the lens sectors 21, 22, 23, and 24 as thisallows for imaging and focusing of projection patterns provided by thefilter or pattern wheel 10 of FIG. 1. For clarity on the term sector, asector by definition, in accordance with the present application, issubstantially a shape that is enclosed between an arc and two radii ateither end of the arc and sometimes referred to as a substantially pieshaped section or triangular section. A pie shaped section should haveat least two substantially flat sides in order to create the improvedblended light beam output The lens system 20 can be constructed of apolymer or glass and the sectors 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be molded orground and polished. The lens sectors 21, 22, 23 and 24 canalternatively be constructed of a polymer Fresnel lens material to lowerweight. The lens system 20 can be constructed of four separate lenssectors 21, 22, 23 and 24 and then fixed together by any suitable meansor the lens system 20 can be constructed or molded of one piece. It ispreferable for the lens sectors 21, 22, 23, and 24 to have their radiias close together as possible to create a seamlessly integrated outputbeam of light that does not have the “fly eye” look when an operatorviews the light output. FIG. 1 shows the integrated output projectedlight 55 of the light projector 100 with the output projected lightprojecting in the direction of arrow 51 for light path 1 b, arrow 52 forlight path 2 b, arrow 53 for light path 3 b and arrow 54 for light path4 b. FIG. 3 for reference shows a frontal view of the lens system 20along with lens sector 21 with associated radii 21 a and 21 b, lenssector 22 with associated radii 22 a and 22 b, lens sector 23 withassociated radii 23 a and 23 b and lens sector 24 with associated radii24 a and 24 b.

FIG. 3 shows that lens sector 21 has radii 21 b substantially parallelto radii 22 a of sector 22. Lens sector 22 has radii 22 b substantiallyparallel to radii 23 a of lens sector 23. Lens sector 23 has radii 23 bsubstantially parallel to radii 24 a of lens sector 24. Lens sector 24has radii 24 b substantially parallel to radii 21 a of lens sector 21.

The lens system 20 of FIG. 1 can also traverse along the center axis 50in the direction of arrows 25 a and 25 b by any suitable means as knownin the art to obtain a variable focus in relation to the filter and/orpattern wheel 10.

FIG. 1 shows a diffusion system 30 that includes four opticallydiffusing sectors 31, 32, 33 and 34. Light path 1 b passes though thediffusing sector 31, light path 2 b passes though the diffusing sector32, light path 3 b passed though the diffusing sector 33, and light path4 b passes though the diffusing sector 34.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the diffusion system 30 in a first state 30r. In the state 30 r the diffusing sectors 31, 32, 33 and 34 intersectlight paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b and 4 b perpendicularly, respectively. In thestate of 30 r the light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b and 4 b pass though theoptical diffusion substrate of the diffusing sectors. The diffusingsectors 31, 32, 33 and 34 may be manufactured of ground glass or anoptically diffusing polymer substrate material such as manufactured byBright View Technologies (trademarked) of Durham, N.C. Each of thediffusing sectors 31, 32, 33 and 34 may be rotated along a center axis.For FIG. 4 diffusing sector 31 is rotatable about axis 31 c in thedirection of arrow 31 r, which is in a plane perpendicular to the planeshown in FIG. 4. The diffusing sector 32 is rotatable about axis 32 c inthe direction of arrow 32 r, which is in a plane perpendicular to theplane shown in FIG. 4 The diffusing sector 33 is rotatable about axis 33c in the direction of arrow 33 r, which is in a plane perpendicular tothe plane shown in FIG. 4. The diffusing sector 34 is rotatable aboutaxis 34 c in the direction of arrow 34 r, which is in a planeperpendicular to the plane shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 shows the diffusion system 30 in a second state 30 p. In thestage 30 p each of the four optically diffusing sectors 31, 32, 33 and34 has been rotated about their center axis ninety degrees so that theedges of the diffusing sector substrates, and the planes of thediffusing sectors 31, 32, 33, and 34, are arranged parallel to the lightpaths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b, and 4 b. FIG. 5 shows the edge 31 e of thesubstrate of the optically diffusing sector 31, the edge 32 e of thesubstrate of the optically diffusing sector 32, the edge 33 e of thesubstrate of the optically diffusing sector 33 and the edge 34 e of thesubstrate of the optically diffusing sector 34. The diffusion system 30of FIG. 5 in state 30 p allows the light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b, and 4 b toeffectively pass through the diffusion system 30 without substantiallyaltering the light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b or 4 b with the diffusion opticalproperty of the diffusing sectors 31, 32, 33 and 34. The diffusingsectors 31, 32, 33, and 34 can be rotated about their corresponding axes31 c, 32 c, 33 c and 34 c, respectively, by any suitable electromechanical or manual means as known in the art.

The light projector 100 of FIG. 1 shows an exiting aperture 40 that maybe constructed of a clear glass or a polymer. U.S. Pat. No. 8,770,764 toBelliveau, incorporated by reference herein, describes a system forreducing theatrical air born haze for a light projector that accumulateson output lenses or exiting apertures. The theatrical air born haze iscomprised of glycol or mineral oil fog particles that are commonlycreated by atomization of the liquid glycol or mineral oil by theatricalfog generating devices (fog machines). The glycol or mineral oilparticles (referred to herein as theatrical fog particles) can eachrange in size from between twenty microns to below 0.1 micron.

Because there can be a temperature differential between the innersurface and the outer surface of the exiting aperture 40 theatrical hazecan typically form condensate on the inner surface or outer surface ofthe output optics. When the theatrical fog condensation forms on theoptics the output light can become defused by the light scatteringproperties of the theatrical haze condensate. U.S. Pat. No. 8,770,764,incorporated by reference, has been reduced to practice and works well,however the light projector 100 of FIG. 1 can always benefit from a costreduction. The defogging system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,770,764is comprised of several components including electronic power supplies,wiring and power resistors on a circuit board that accumulate to anincreased cost of the light projector 100 if the system described byU.S. Pat. No. 8,770,764 were to be employed.

FIG. 6 shows a prior art output aperture 38 without the benefit of thesystem described by U.S. Pat. No. 8,770,764. In a known light projectorthe output aperture 38 can have a surface 39 a located on a side nearthe internal housing of the known light projector and opposite surfaceside 39 b near the outside of the known light projector. Because theside 39 a is usually operating in a higher ambient temperature, the side39 b is operating in cooler ambient temperature. This causes theaccumulation of fog particles like those shown as 38 a, 38 b, 38 c, 38d, 38 e, and 38 f on the surface 39 b. The theatrical fog particles 38a, 38 b, 38 c, 38 d, 38 e, and 38 f are formed as raised dropletsbecause the surface energy of the substrate that the output aperture 38is comprised of is higher than that of the surface tension of thetheatrical fog particle. The inventor has found that by increasing thesurface energy of the surface 39 b of the output aperture 38 canincrease the wetting characteristics of the surface and therfore reducethe height of the raised theatrical fog droplets to reduce the unwantedscattering of light by the apparent haze. This is especially importantwhen incorporating low energy apertures or lenses made from polymerslike PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or polycarbonate.

FIG. 7 shows the output aperture 40 of the light projector 100 that mayexhibit a positive or negative optical power. The output aperture 40 hasa stable nano coating 42 applied to the surface 41 b that increases thewetting characteristics of the light output aperture 40. A stablecoating 42 is defined as a coating that increases the wettingcharacteristics of the aperture 40 even after during frequent wettingand dewetting cycles. The stable nano coating 42 is able tosubstantially withstand cleaning by industrial and household glasscleaners as the light projector 100 is often used in dirty and dustyoutdoor shows and the apertures can be coated with dust and dirt thatrequire cleaning.

The stable nano coating 42 can be comprised of silicon derivative suchas silicone dioxide, silanes or siloxanes or a polymer in a solvent thatcan then be dip coated, sprayed or flow coated onto the output aperture40 onto the surface 41 b and/or the surface 41 a of the aperture of FIG.7 The stable nano coating 42 increases the surface energy of the surface41 b so that theatrical fog particles 43 a and 43 b easily wet thesurface 41 b in a sheeting out manner (the sheeting out is preferablysubstantially flat and the fog particles 43 a and 43 b are shown as anexaggerated curve for the case of observance in the drawing).

FIG. 2A shows a frontal view of the heatsink 1 of FIG. 1 of lightprojector 100. Heatsink 1 is identical to or substantially the same asheatsinks 2, 3 and 4 of FIG. 1 of light projector 100. Heatsink 1 showsLED or light source 1 a that may be the same type of LED or light sourcefor LED 2 a, 3 a and 4 a of FIG. 1 of light projector 100.

FIG. 2B shows a side view of the heatsink 1 and LED or light source 1 a.The LED or light source 1 a has an optical light pipe 1 x that may befixed to the light source 1 a in any manner. The optical light pipe 1 xis used to gather and homogenize the light emitted by the LED or lightsource 1 a. Each of LEDs or light sources 2 a, 3 a, and 4 a may alsoinclude a similar or identical optical light pipe, like optical lightpipe 1 x. The heatsink 1 is fixed to a stable surface 7 such as the lamphousing 7 of FIG. 1. The heatsink 1 is fixed to the surface 7 by screwfasteners 9 a and 9 c. Springs 9 s and 9 t (or a flexible component suchas an elastomer) are used to provide compression positioning adjustmentof the heatsink 1 in relation to the surface 7 as the fasteners 9 a and9 c are loosened or tightened. FIG. 2B shows a rear view of the heatsink1 under the surface 7 by dotted line. Four screw fasteners are shown 9a, 9 b (which are the same at 9 a and 9 b of FIG. 2A) and 9 c and 9 d.At least three of the fasteners of fasteners 9 a, 9 b, 9 c, and 9 dprovide compression positioning of the heatsink 1 that results in finethe tuning of the direction of the light path 2 through the lightprojector 100 of FIG. 1. The heat sinks 1, 2, 3 and 4 of FIG. 1 arefitted with this fine tuning positioning of the direction of the lightpaths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b and 4 b respectively. The fine tuning of thedirection of the light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b and 4 b allow a technician toobtain the correct alignment of the light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b and 4 b atthe output integrated light 55 of light projector 100 for blended lightbeam output with less undesirable artifacts.

During the research on the project the inventor has realized thatfurther improvements to the blending of the light output of the theatrelight projector 100 of FIG. 1 can be realized. When the light paths 1 b,2 b, and 3 b and 4 b pass through the final output components shown asoutput aperture 40 or diffusion system or apparatus 30 there is a lightvoid area created along the center axis 50 of theatre light projector100 where the light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b and 4 b do not converge that canbe distracting and increases the undesirable perception of an unblendedlight output at the output integrated light 55 of light projector 100shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a light projector 100′ in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention. The light projector 100′ isidentical to the light projector 100 of FIG. 1, except as will beexplained. The light projector 100′ has an output aperture 900 whichdiffers from the output aperture 40 of the light projector 100. Theoutput aperture 900 includes a central integrating mask 905 which isused to mask a light void area, along a center axis 50′ The light mask905 is preferably black in color and can be created of preferably roundmetal sheet having a thickness of approximately one half to onemillimeter. FIG. 8 shows light paths 1 b′, 2 b′, 3 b′, and 4 b′, andarrows 51′, 52′, 53′, and 54′, 25 a′ and 25 b′ which may differ somewhatfrom light paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b, 4 b, and arrows 51, 52, 53, 54, andarrows 25 a and 25 b, respectively, due the presence of component 900 asopposed to component 40 in FIG. 1, and generally due to the fact thatlight projector 100′ is a different overall device from light projector100.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of a device 800, which can be used to form theoutput aperture 900 of the light projector 100′. Four dotted circles801, 802, 803 and 804 are shown that represent the predicted illuminatedarea of the light paths of 1 b′, 2 b′, 3 b′, and 4 b′ respectivelypredicted to pass through the device 800 (without a mask 905). A lightvoid area 805 (when there is now mask 905) centered on the center axis50′ of light projector 100′ is shown where the predicted light paths 1b′, 2 b′, 3 b′ and 4 b′ as shown by circles 801, 802, 803, and 804 arenot converged to illuminate the light void area 805.

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the output aperture 900 of the lightprojector 100′ with a central integrating mask 905 fixed to the device800 of FIG. 9 to form an output aperture 900 in any way such as by glueor support bracket not shown. Four dotted circles 901, 902, 903 and 904,or approximate circles or regions, are shown that represent theilluminated area of the light paths of 1 b′, 2 b′, 3 b′, and 4 b′respectively that pass through the output aperture 900. The light voidarea 805 of FIG. 9 centered on the center axis 50′ of light projection100′ has been masked in the non-converged area by the centralintegrating mask 905.

FIG. 11 shows a light projector 100″ in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention. The light projector 100″ isidentical to the light projector 100 of FIG. 1, except as will beexplained. The light projector 100″ has a diffusion system or apparatus1100 instead of the diffusion system or apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 1.FIG. 11 also shows light paths 1 b″, 2 b″, 3 b″, and 4 b″, and arrows51″, 52″, 53″, and 54″, 25 a″ and 25 b″ which may differ somewhat fromlight paths 1 b, 2 b, 3 b, 4 b, and arrows 51, 52, 53, 54, and arrows 25a and 25 b, respectively, due the presence of component 1100 as opposedto component 30 in FIG. 1, and generally due to the fact that lightprojector 100″ is a different overall device from light projector 100.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of a device 1000 for forming a diffusionsystem or apparatus 1100 of FIG. 13 for the light projector 100″ of FIG.11. Four dotted circles 1001, 1002, 1003 and 1004 are shown thatrepresent the predicted illuminated area of the light paths 1 b″, 2 b″,3 b″, and 4 b″, respectively, predicted to pass through device 1000(without the mask 1105). A light void area 1005 centered on the centeraxis 50″ of light projector 100″ is shown where there light paths 1 b″,2 b″, 3 b″ and 4 b″ are predicted not converged to illuminate the lightvoid area 1005.

FIG. 13 shows a front view of the diffusion system or apparatus 1100 ofthe light projector 100″′. Four dotted circles or regions 1101, 1102,1103 and 1104 are shown that represent the illuminated area of the lightpaths of 1 b″, 2 b″, 3 b″, and 4 b″ respectively that pass through thediffusion system 1100. The light void area 1005 of FIG. 12 centered onthe center axis 50″ of light projector 100″ has been masked in thenon-converged area by the central integrating mask 1105.

Although the invention has been described by reference to particularillustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of theinvention may become apparent to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to include within this patent all such changes andmodifications as may reasonably and properly be included within thescope of the present invention's contribution to the art.

I claim:
 1. A theatre light projector comprising: a housing, a pluralityof light sources, a plurality of lenses, a light exiting outputaperture, and a central integrating mask; wherein the light exitingoutput aperture has a center; wherein the plurality of light sources arearranged around a central axis; wherein the plurality of light sourcesproject light though the light exiting output aperture; wherein thecenter of the of the light exiting output aperture is substantially voidof projected light projected by the plurality of light sources; andwherein the central integrating mask is located in the center of thelight exiting aperture and partially intersects a portion of theprojected light from each of the plurality of light sources.
 2. Thetheatre light projector of claim 1 further comprising a diffusionsystem, wherein the diffuser system is comprised of a plurality ofsegments; and wherein the diffusion system is located between theplurality of light sources and the light exiting output aperture andintersects the projected light from the plurality of light sources. 3.The theatre light projector of claim 1 further comprising an aperturedevice comprising a first color filter and a second color filter; andwherein the aperture device is located between the plurality of lightsources and the light exiting output aperture and intersects theprojected light from the plurality of light sources.
 4. The theatrelight projector of claim 1 wherein the plurality of lenses aretraversable along the central axis between the plurality of lightsources and the light exiting output aperture and intersect theprojected light from the plurality of light sources.
 5. The theatrelight projector of claim 1 wherein the plurality of light sources arecomprised of a first light emitting diode light source projecting lightout in a first light path and a second light emitting diode light sourceprojecting light out in a second light path; and wherein the first lightemitting diode light source has a first heat sink and the second lightemitting diode light source has a second heatsink and the first heatsink is adjustable to alter a the first light path and the secondheatsink is adjustable to alter a direction the second light path.
 6. Atheatre light projector comprising: a housing, a plurality of lightsources, a plurality of lenses, and a diffusion system; wherein theplurality of light sources are arranged around a central axis; whereineach of the plurality of light sources project light though thediffusion system; wherein the diffusion system has a center; and whereinthe center of the diffusion system is substantially void of lightprojected by each of the plurality of light sources; and wherein acentral integrating mask is located in the center of the diffusionsystem and partially intersects a portion of the light projected by eachof the plurality of light sources.
 7. The theatre light projector ofclaim 6 further comprising a light exiting aperture which is comprisedof glass; and wherein the light exiting aperture intersects at least aportion of the light projected by each of the plurality of lightsources.
 8. The theatre light projector of claim 6 further comprising alight exiting aperture which is comprised of a polymer; and wherein thelight exiting aperture intersects at least a portion of the lightprojected by each of the plurality of light sources.
 9. The theatrelight projector of claim 6 further comprising an aperture devicecomprising a first and second color filter; and wherein the aperturedevice intersects at least a portion of the light projected by each ofthe plurality of light sources.
 10. The theatre light projector of claim6 wherein the plurality of lenses are traversable along the central axisbetween the plurality of light sources and a light exiting outputaperture and intersect the projected light from the plurality of lightsources.
 11. The theatre light projector of claim 6 wherein theplurality of light sources are comprised of a first light emitting diodelight source projecting light out in a first light path and a secondlight emitting diode light source projecting light out in a second lightpath; wherein the first light emitting diode light source has a firstheat sink and the second light emitting diode light source has a secondheat sink and the first heat sink is adjustable to alter the first lightpath and the second heat sink is adjustable to alter the second lightpath.